Ruto Loyalists, Ex-Uhuru PSs Among Big Names Rejected For PS Jobs

President William Ruto's Chief of Staff Felix Koskei released a list of 51 of the Head of State's preferred names for the jobs of Principal Secretaries (PS).

The list saw the likes of Julius Korir and Teresia Mbaika nominated to the Office of the Deputy President as well as former Lang'ata MP Nixon Korir nominated to the Ministry of Lands.

However, a number of high-profile names had failed to make the nominees list despite being among 585 shortlisted for the coveted positions, some of them being allies of the President, previously increased from 477.

Among the 108 new additions that included former Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura and former Nominated MP David ole Sankok, Former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal as well as former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi were left out.

IEBC Commissioner Molu Boya, former Kakamega Governor Ken Lusaka's wife, Margaret Nafula Makelo and Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO, Dr Betty Addero Radier were also left out.

President Ruto also left out Principal Secretaries who served in former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration in another relentless purge to shape his legacy.

Esther Koimett (Broadcasting and Telecommunications), Peter Kaberia (Industrialisation), Julius Jwan (Education), Saitoti Torome (Planning), and Nelson Marwa (Social Protection) were among Uhuru's PSs that were left out. Others were Margaret Mwakimu (TVET) and Fred Sigor (Wildlife).

Ruto however spared just two from Uhuru's regime: Belio Kipsang who served as the PS for Regional and Northern Corridor Development as well as Charles Hinga who was in the Housing Department.

Prominent Kenyans who had earlier been shortlisted such as outgoing Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Mercy Mwangangi and Mary Wanyonyi, the wife of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, were left out.

Health Director General, Patrick Amoth, did not also make the final cut despite being shortlisted for the job.

Other prominent names left out included Standard Media Group (SMG) managing editor, Andrew Tanui Kipkoech, director of the PSC corporate communications Browne Kutswa, Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof Peter Laban Ayiro and IEBC communications manager Tabitha Mutemi, a member of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).

PSC explained that it had recalled the initial list of 477 to make the selection process more inclusive.

"The Commission has reviewed the number of shortlisted candidates to deepen inclusivity in regards to gender, the marginalised and minority groups.

"Also considered in the revised list are the youth and Persons Living With Disability (PLWD) in accordance with Article 232 (h) of the Constitution," the notice read in part on Saturday, October 8.

Read the full list of Principal Secretary (PS) nominees here

Former Nominated MP, David Sankok. /FILE